iSharkFin, software that can save sharks – The Republic

Rome – The sharks will swim one day more peacefully thanks to a new digital tool developed by FAO that allows rapid identification – in five minutes – of these species. The new software, called iSharkFin, will help protect shark species threatened with extinction, and to combat the illegal trade in shark fins. It ‘a tool for employees at customs, port inspectors and fish markets that do not have specific training in the recognition and scientific classification of species, but also for fishermen who want to avoid the capture of protected species, explained Monica Barone, who has led a team of Fisheries and Aquaculture Department of FAO in software development. iSharkFin could allow the authorities to unravel the mystery of the real extent of shark fishing in the world.

The work on this project began in 2013, after five shark species have been added to the Convention on International Trade in species wildlife at risk of extinction (CITES). According to a recent study, recalls the FAO, sharks killed could be about 73 million units, more than 6% of the total stock per year.
ISharkFin, says FAO, is based on artificial intelligence techniques: loads a photograph, the user chooses some key points of the shape of the fin and other details, an algorithm compares the information with its database and identifies the species of shark in five minutes.

The FAO is also developing iSharkFin application that can be used on tablets or smartphones, thus broadening the scope and use. So far iSharkFin is able to identify 35 species of sharks from the dorsal fins – the fin of the shark par excellence – and seven only by the pectoral fins. Many of these species are the most frequently traded internationally. There will be more, but since some species are becoming quite rare, it will take time to collect complete data.
The software was developed by FAO in collaboration with the University of Vigo, Spain. Cites and the Government of Japan has provided financial support.

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